Tourette Symndrome

            Tourette Syndrome (TS) is an inherited, neurological disorder characterized by repeated and involuntary body movements (tics) and uncontrollable vocal sounds. The estimated amount of Americans with full blown TS is 100,000, but there are no absolute figures since many people with Tourette Syndrome have yet been diagnosed. Although the onset of TS will occur before the age of 21 there have been some rare cases. It is important to diagnose and treat Tourette Syndrome early to avoid some psychological harm and because of the possibility of controlling the symptoms with medication.
             The symptoms are divided into three categories; motor, vocal, and behavioral manifestations. Motor symptoms are fast, meaningless, muscular events which can sometimes be painful. They can be as simple as eye blinking and shoulder shrugging to painful ones such as hitting or biting oneself and jaw snapping. The behavioral symptoms deal with problems such as impulsiveness, aggressiveness, obsession, and compulsions. Of the estimated amount of people with TS less than 30% have vocal outbreaks or symptoms. These outbreaks called coprolalia, are neither intentional nor purposeful but include obscene language. .
             During adolescence, some TS patients come to feel their social isolation and the symptoms become more than they can bear. The symptoms become a burden and can sometimes lead one to consider and attempt suicide. While others with the most bizarre and disruptive symptoms can achieve excellent social and academic adjustments. .
             Researchers are not sure of what causes Tourette Syndrome but believe an abnormal metabolism of the neurotransmitters dopamine and scrotonin are involved. Treatments and monitoring are crucial to TS patients and doctors. The decision on whether to treat depends on the degree to which the tics and syndrome is interfering with the child's development or the adult patient's ability to function properly.